Introduction
Making your website accessible for disabled people is an important step towards creating an inclusive online experience. While AI Tools like ChatGPT or Google Bard (See our post about Bard vs ChatGPT) can assist you in various ways, it’s essential to understand that it alone cannot make your website accessible. However, you can leverage ChatGPT to provide additional support and enhance accessibility features on your website. Here are a few ways you can utilise ChatGPT to improve accessibility:
1. Alternative Text for Images:
People with visual impairments rely on screen readers to navigate websites. When images are present on your website, use ChatGPT to generate alternative text (alt text) for those images. Alt text provides a textual description of the image, allowing screen readers to convey the information to visually impaired users.
2. Transcripts and Closed Captions:
For multimedia content such as videos or audio files, provide transcripts or closed captions. You can use ChatGPT to generate accurate transcripts or captions for these media elements. This enables individuals with hearing impairments to access the information effectively.
3. Simplified Language:
Some users may have cognitive or learning disabilities. You can utilise ChatGPT to simplify the language used on your website, making it easier for these individuals to comprehend the content. Ensure that the simplified text is clear, concise, and free of jargon.
4. Keyboard Accessibility:
People with motor disabilities may rely on keyboards or alternative input devices to navigate websites. Ensure that your website is fully keyboard accessible, allowing users to access all interactive elements without relying on a mouse. Test the website’s functionality using the Tab key to navigate through links, buttons, and form fields.
5. Voice Control:
Some individuals may have limited or no ability to use their hands. Integrating voice control features into your website can greatly enhance accessibility. ChatGPT can be used to process voice commands and perform specific actions on the website based on the user’s voice input.
6. Error Handling and Feedback:
Make sure your website provides clear error messages and feedback to assist users in understanding and resolving any issues they encounter. ChatGPT can help in generating appropriate error messages that are descriptive and easy to understand.
7. Examples of accessible websites:
- BBC – The BBC website is designed to be accessible for people with a variety of disabilities, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mobility impairments. The website uses a variety of accessibility features, such as text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, and zoom features.
- Built By Silo – Built By Silo is a web design and development agency that specialises in creating accessible websites. The agency’s website is itself a great example of an accessible website. It uses a variety of accessibility features, such as large fonts, high contrast colours, and keyboard navigation.
- Eventbrite – Eventbrite is an online event ticketing platform. The platform’s website is designed to be accessible for people with a variety of disabilities. The website uses a variety of accessibility features, such as text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, and zoom features.
- ACLU – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a non-profit organisation that works to protect civil liberties. The ACLU’s website is designed to be accessible for people with a variety of disabilities. The website uses a variety of accessibility features, such as text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, and zoom features.
- Partake Foods – Partake Foods is a company that makes cookies and other baked goods for people with food allergies. The company’s website is designed to be accessible for people with a variety of disabilities. The website uses a variety of accessibility features, such as text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, and zoom features.
Empower disabled individuals by involving them in the design and testing process. Seek heartfelt feedback from users with disabilities and collaborate with accessibility experts to ensure your website passionately caters to their specific needs. Also, consider adhering to established accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, to ensure comprehensive accessibility.